How Many Syllables In Alertness?
3syllables
Alertness has 3 syllables, a-lert-ness. It is a trisyllabic word.
alertness
/əˈlɜːt.nəs/ UK /əˈlɝːt.nəs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, lert.
Syllable Structure
V/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/ə.lɜːt.nəs/
Division By Letters
a-lert-ness
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Alertness
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 2 primary stress | l | ɜː | t | CVC | closed |
| 3 | n | ə | s | CVC | closed |
Why Alertness Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /əˈlɜːt.nəs/ | /əˈlɝːt.nəs/ | 3 |
| Also | /əˈlɜːt.nɪs/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in alertness?
Alertness has 3 syllables, a-lert-ness. In British English it is transcribed /əˈlɜːt.nəs/.
Which syllable is stressed in alertness?
The second syllable, lert, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of alertness?
Alertness has the structure V/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide alertness into syllables?
By sound, ə.lɜːt.nəs. By letters, as a spelling guide, a-lert-ness.